A wide smile crept onto Hermione's face as her mother tied her hair back with a white ribbon; it almost got lost in the wild curls, but the tender care with which her mum laced the ribbon through Hermione's hair had her practically floating.
"You look beautiful, dear," said her mother. "I'm just so happy for you." She sniffed, wiping away a tear threatening to fall. "Does he make you happy?"
"I've never been happier in my life," Hermione said honestly, her voice choking up, blinking away tears of her own at the sight of her mother starting to cry. "Every day with Bruce is the best day of my life."
"I know, darling."
A knock at the door startled them both out of the moment. "Can I come in?"
It was Ron. Hermione smiled again and began to shoo her mother out. "Let Ron and I have a moment, please, thank you!"
"Of course, dear." Her mum kissed her on the cheek and left her in the room, letting Ron in as she left.
"You look beautiful," said Ron.
The words hung between them, almost awkward somehow.
"Thank you," she said. "Ron, I–"
"Am I too late?"
She felt her face fall. She thought they'd moved past this. "Yes."
"Are you sure? You could call this whole thing off and–"
"I'm not calling it off," Hermione said coolly. "I really can't believe you would even say that."
"I love you," he said. "I had to try."
"I love you, too," she assured him, "just not that way. You're one of my best friends, I don't want this to…"
"To ruin that," he finished for her. She nodded miserably. "I understand."
She grimaced. "Do you?"
This was not how she'd wanted her wedding day to go. This was not a past she wanted to linger on.
"If you're sure?" It was a question, he was looking for assurance.
"I'm sure." The words came out louder than she meant them to, and he flinched. "I'm sorry," she said in a softer voice.
He only nodded. "Well, I'd better get going." He sounded like his throat was dry. "I'll send your mum back in if she's waiting."
Hermione bowed her head. "Thank you."
Her mother walked directly to Hermione and wrapped her in a warm hug. "I overheard. I'm sorry, love."
"It's fine," Hermione lied. "How's my mascara?"
Her mum pulled away to inspect. "Looks perfect. Is it magically waterproof?"
"Just from the shop," Hermione said with a laugh.
As Hermione walked down the aisle on her father's arm, every moment of her conversation with Ron slipped away. She had eyes solely on Bruce, who was looking uncomfortable in his light gray suit until the moment he saw her.
His eyes went wide, and she had a feeling her mascara was no longer holding up.
Every day with Bruce was the best day of her life.
It was far too late for any other.